20th Annual Blacks in Wax: DC – The People, The Culture, The Power

Schedule

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026 at 05:00 pm to Sat, 28 Mar, 2026 at 09:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus, Mississippi Avenue Southeast, Washington, DC, USA | Washington, DC

Advertisement
At THEARC on March 20th and Duke Ellington School of the Arts on March 28th.
About this Event

For 20 years, the Recreation Wish List Committee in partnership with the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center has proudly presented Blacks in Wax, a powerful educational and cultural production that brings history to life through the voices and performances of our Scholars.

This year’s theme, “DC: The People…The Culture…The Power,” celebrates the individuals who have shaped Washington, DC’s rich legacy in music, politics, education, activism, and entertainment.

Through a living museum and Onstage Performance, scholars will portray influential figures connected to the District, including legends such as Chuck Brown, Marvin Gaye, Denyce Graves, Ron Moten, Keyonna Jones, Linda Cropp, Taraji P.Henson, Wale, Cathy Hughes and so many more.

Each performance highlights the voices, contributions, and cultural impact of those who have helped shape not only DC, but the nation.


Community Performances


📍 Friday, March 20, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 8:30PM

THEARC

1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020

· Museum Performance: 5:00 PM

· Vignette Performance: 6:00 PM


📍 Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 9:00PM

Duke Ellington School of the Arts

3500 R St NW, Washington, DC 20007

· Museum Performance: 6:00 PM

· Vignette Performance: 7:00 PM

This time may change depending on the impact of the No Kings March.


Come celebrate 20 years of history, culture, and community as our scholars honor the people who helped shape the legacy of Washington, DC.


Bring your family, bring your friends, and experience a production that continues to educate, inspire, and uplift generations.


Reserve your seat today.


Event Photos
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

THEARC: Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus, Mississippi Avenue Southeast, Washington, DC, USA, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 0.00

Icon
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
The Go-Go Museum and Cafe

Host or Publisher The Go-Go Museum and Cafe

Ask AI if this event suits you:

Discover More Events in Washington

State of AI in EU
Fri, 20 Mar at 03:00 pm State of AI in EU

1100 13th St NW

Ketcham pop up shop
Fri, 20 Mar at 03:30 pm Ketcham pop up shop

Ketcham Elementary School

BUSINESS
MK Volunteer Orientation
Fri, 20 Mar at 03:45 pm MK Volunteer Orientation

Miriam's Kitchen

GOODProjects: March Madness
Fri, 20 Mar at 04:30 pm GOODProjects: March Madness

King Greenleaf Recreation Center

CONTESTS
Unseen Film Screening
Fri, 20 Mar at 05:30 pm Unseen Film Screening

American University School of International Service, Founders Room

ENTERTAINMENT HEALTH-WELLNESS
Propaganda Across\u00a0Borders: Russia\u2019s Disinformation in China
Fri, 20 Mar at 05:30 pm Propaganda Across Borders: Russia’s Disinformation in China

Free Peoples of Russia House

ART CONTESTS
Benee at 9:30 Club
Fri, 20 Mar at 06:00 pm Benee at 9:30 Club

9:30 Club

BENEE, BAYLI in Washington
Fri, 20 Mar at 06:00 pm BENEE, BAYLI in Washington

9

CONCERTS MUSIC
Walking Tour: The Lost History of Frederick Douglass in Old Anacostia
Sun, 04 Nov at 09:00 am Walking Tour: The Lost History of Frederick Douglass in Old Anacostia

Visitor Center -- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

ART LITERARY-ART
Walking Tour: Lost History of Frederick Douglass in Capitol Hill
Sat, 28 Sep at 10:00 am Walking Tour: Lost History of Frederick Douglass in Capitol Hill

Library of Congress, Jefferson Building 1st St and Independence Ave SE Washington, DC 20540

ART LITERARY-ART
Team Scavenger Hunt Epic Adventure: D.C. National Monuments
Sat, 22 Feb at 11:00 am Team Scavenger Hunt Epic Adventure: D.C. National Monuments

Recommended Parking to Begin Adventure

TRIPS-ADVENTURES SPORTS
Lost History: The Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy in Old Anacostia
Sun, 08 Nov at 09:30 am Lost History: The Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy in Old Anacostia

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

TRIPS-ADVENTURES ART
DC Black History Walking Tour of Black Broadway by Author Briana Thomas
Sat, 01 Jul at 11:30 am DC Black History Walking Tour of Black Broadway by Author Briana Thomas

U Street Northwest

ART BLACK-HISTORY-MONTH
LOL in Washington, D.C. - a Smart-guided Bikeway Selfie Cycle Tour
Sat, 29 Jun at 02:00 pm LOL in Washington, D.C. - a Smart-guided Bikeway Selfie Cycle Tour

CycleNuts Selfie Cycle Tour - Washington D.C.

TRIPS-ADVENTURES ART
SpyKids Mission Training America250
Sat, 17 Aug at 06:00 pm SpyKids Mission Training America250

Volta Park Pool

WORKSHOPS KIDS
Discover Washington D.C.\u2019s hidden gems with our exciting scavenger hunt!
Wed, 23 Oct at 07:00 am Discover Washington D.C.’s hidden gems with our exciting scavenger hunt!

United States Capitol

TRIPS-ADVENTURES CONTESTS
2025 - Franciscan Monastery  of the Holy Land Tour
Thu, 02 Jan at 01:00 pm 2025 - Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land Tour

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America

ART NONPROFIT
Amazing Scavenger Hunt! - The Ghosts of Washington D.C.
Sat, 22 Mar at 08:00 am Amazing Scavenger Hunt! - The Ghosts of Washington D.C.

511 10th St NW

ART THEATRE
Washington, D.C. Hunt Audio Tour
Tue, 08 Apr at 08:00 am Washington, D.C. Hunt Audio Tour

100 Maryland Ave SW

TRIPS-ADVENTURES ART
Guided Tour of the National Academy of Sciences Building
Fri, 02 May at 11:00 am Guided Tour of the National Academy of Sciences Building

National Academy of Sciences

ART EXHIBITIONS

What's Happening Next in Washington?

Discover Washington Events